It is the 5^th time that the International Student Forum ‘Dialogue of Cultures’ has been conducted in Penza State University. The official opening ceremony took place on May 18^th in Penza Philharmonic Hall.

The overcrowded hall witnessed a vibrant multi-national procession with representatives of 50 nationalities wearing colourful costumes and bearing national flags.

Rector of Penza State University, A.D. Gulyakov, stressed in his welcoming speech that the traditional forum promotes agreement and understanding between nations. ‘There are many cases of grave misunderstanding in the world nowadays. I am convinced that arguments must not be settled through military actions. We are the people of the 21^st century and we have to have understanding for each other, leave in peace and agreement,’ he remarked. ‘Whatever roads you go in life, whatever heights you achieve, cherish this friendship that you have built while studying here,’ he urged the students.

The forum participants were also welcomed by the city and regional government. Yu.I. Krivov, deputy chair of the Penza government, greeted the forum and thanked the organizers. ‘This initiative, launched by Penza State University, deserves respect and support.  Penza region is one of the most peaceful and quiet in Russia. We have to be grateful for it to the forum as well,’ he noted.

Anjali Pandey, Minister of Education and Community Welfare of Indian Embassy in Russia, greeting the audience, remarked that she enjoyed seeing that young people from India receive education in Russia.

The official opening ceremony was followed by a remarkable variety of singing and dance numbers, a product of creative activities of local and guest performers.